Major Operation in Clayton County Leads to 78 Arrests

US Marshals-led bust recovers 46 illegal guns and 57 pounds of narcotics

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A three-week operation led by the US Marshals Service and local law enforcement in Clayton County, Georgia resulted in the arrest of 78 individuals, the recovery of 46 illegal firearms, and the seizure of 57 pounds of illegal narcotics along with $18,000 in cash. The operation targeted violent fugitives wanted for serious offenses such as murder, aggravated assault, and rape.

Why it matters

This large-scale operation demonstrates the effectiveness of federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration in apprehending dangerous criminal suspects and removing illegal weapons and drugs from the community. It highlights the ongoing efforts to address violent crime and make the Atlanta metro area safer.

The details

Over the course of three weeks from March 3 to April 3, the US Marshals Service partnered with Clayton County law enforcement to investigate, verify, and prioritize wanted fugitives. This resulted in the initial apprehension of 16 violent offenders before the operation officially began. During the operation, an additional 28 violent offenders were arrested, for a total of 78 arrests. In addition to the arrests, 46 illegal firearms were recovered and 57 pounds of illegal narcotics, along with $18,000 in cash, were seized.

  • The operation took place over a three-week period from March 3 to April 3, 2026.
  • Prior to the operation, 16 violent fugitives were apprehended.

The players

United States Marshals Service

The federal law enforcement agency that led the operation in coordination with local law enforcement.

Clayton County Law Enforcement

Local police agencies that partnered with the US Marshals Service to execute the operation.

Gadyaces S. Serralta

Director of the United States Marshals Service.

Stephen Serrao

Acting US Marshal for the District of North Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“This operation shows what is possible when law enforcement works together. Our federal, state, and local partners delivered. They removed violent offenders and made Clayton County and Atlanta safer. This type of partnership is how we protect communities, restore peace, and uphold the rule of law.”

— Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director, United States Marshals Service

“This operation is another example of the hard and dangerous work being performed every day by the brave men and women of the United States Marshals Service. We are using all the resources available to the Marshals Service to remove wanted felons from our communities.”

— Stephen Serrao, Acting U.S. Marshal, District of North Georgia

What’s next

The US Marshals Service and local law enforcement will continue to work together to identify and apprehend additional violent fugitives in the Atlanta metro area.

The takeaway

This large-scale operation demonstrates the power of federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration in addressing violent crime and removing dangerous individuals from the community. It highlights the ongoing efforts to make the Atlanta region safer through the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies.